"You prepare a table for me in the presence of my enemies;" (Psalm 23:5 NASB1995)
This visual speaks of a confident and unafraid Good Shepherd, doesn’t it? The enemy doesn’t intimidate our Lord. The Good Shepherd goes about His business of caring for people even in the midst of antagonists. He continues to provide. Supply chains are not cut off. Mealtimes are not missed. Manna appears and each every day and communion is available to us in all conditions. What comfort! Our God is never unnerved by the other side, no matter how bold they become.
A friend and I spent the last moments of light on my porch the other night. She was on the phone and I swung my way through the sunset. Together, we carefully connected the messianic dots in the Old Testament. She’s the kind of scripture studier who delights in ah-ha moments. That evening, we were reveling in the Savior sightings in Isaiah 5 and Genesis 3:15. It’s clear from the very beginning, God is going to win this thing. He is sovereign and He has seen it all unfold as though it has already happened. Our Heavenly Father is unconcerned with Satan’s strong-arm tactics because He’s well-acquainted with what comes next.
In the midst of our already-won battle between good and evil; God’s children are still of His utmost concern. He’s a Good Father who wants to feed His family. Even in wartime, He sees to it that we can eat. We are sustained by the bounty of His Word and the peace of His presence. We are fed by verses, stories and songs. He whispers revelation into each and every heart that takes a chair at His table. Though the enemy rages all around us, we are sustained and strengthened through powerful and perfect communion.
It is quite remarkable how the Commander-in-Chief has time for a meal with each and every foot soldier who makes it to the table. We are all invited into this intimate fellowship with our superior. Will we prioritize it? Or will we be consumed with the encroaching enemy, unaware that our time with the Commander will reinforce our frames?
I keep thinking of the story in 1 Samuel 14 where King Saul was fighting a battle and he bound his men to an oath: no man would eat until the king was avenged. Bad leaders hold their troops hostage in hunger. Compare this text to David and his mighty men on the run from Saul in chapter 21. David’s soldiers were starving and he went to the priest for the shewbread to feed the brethren. What a picture of our Good Shepherd; going to great lengths to sustain His flock!
God remembers we are dust. He knows our frames must have fuel. Even in the crosshairs of the enemy, we require the manna that the Word puts forth. We find the fuel we need through our time with Him. It’s especially critical when the opposition is close at hand.
"The Son of Man came eating and drinking." (Matthew 11:19 NIV)
Jesus lived in the presence of His enemies. There was a price on His head from the very beginning. And still, over and over again, our Savior prioritized the breaking of bread. He offered friendship over a meal. He communed with His Father and He communed with His people. If we forsake the table with Him, we will lack the stamina we require. We must recline in His presence and receive His sustenance each and every day.
"Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person." (Revelation 3:20 NIV)
"Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord." (John 21:12 NIV)
Lord, forgive us for passing by or rushing through. We realize today, that You have prepared a table on purpose. We need to eat amidst the battle. We are helpless in the fight apart from You. Fuel us as we sit in Your presence. Strengthen us against the onslaught as we prioritize our time with You. Amen.